The Morning Dilemma
It's 7 AM. Your child says they don't feel good. You have an important meeting. The school has strict pickup policies if they get worse. What do you do?
This is one of the hardest judgment calls parents make, and we make it all the time.
The "Definitely Stay Home" List
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, keep your child home if they have:
Fever
- Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Most schools require 24 hours fever-free WITHOUT medication before returning
Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Keep home until symptom-free for 24 hours
- They need to be able to keep food and fluids down
Contagious Conditions
Based on CDC guidance:
- Strep throat (until 24 hours on antibiotics)
- Pink eye with discharge (until 24 hours on treatment)
- Chickenpox (until all blisters have crusted)
- Head lice (until after first treatment)
Too Sick to Participate
- Too tired or unwell to pay attention in class
- Would need more care than teachers can provide
- Isn't eating or drinking well
The "Probably Okay to Go" List
Your child can likely go to school with:
- Mild cold symptoms: Runny nose, occasional cough, no fever
- Allergies: Sneezing, watery eyes (not contagious)
- Recovering from illness: Past the contagious period, just a lingering cough
- Minor complaints: "My tummy feels weird" without other symptoms
The Gray Zone
Some situations are judgment calls:
Low-Grade Fever in the Morning
Some kids run warm naturally. If it's 99-100°F and they seem fine, monitor and decide. Many parents give it an hour to see how they're really feeling.
"I Don't Feel Good" Without Symptoms
Could be anxiety, tiredness, or the start of something. Trust your gut. Sometimes a mental health day is legitimate too.
End of an Illness
The last day or two of a cold, when they're not contagious but still have symptoms. Usually okay to attend.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Would I want my child sitting next to a kid with these symptoms?
- Can my child participate in normal activities?
- Can the school meet their needs today?
- Am I keeping them home for their sake or mine?
Communicate with Your School
- Know your school's sick policy
- Have their nurse's number handy
- Be reachable if they need to come home early
- Report illnesses—it helps the school track what's going around
Sources:
When in doubt, a quick call to your pediatrician's nurse line can help you decide.